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Sold on His Career

John Asdourian, head of the San Francisco Association of Realtors, has been described by his predecessor Matthew Borland as "an organized and patient visionary." — Photo courtesy of John Asdourian

John Asdourian (B.S., '81), 2007 president of the San Francisco Association
of Realtors, isn't alarmed by slowing home sales or the threat of rising interest
rates. Yes, it's a challenging time for the more than 5,000 real estate agents
in his trade group, but he insists the industry has always endured peaks and
valleys.

"In the long run, real estate is a brilliant investment," says
Asdourian, a top-producing salesperson at San Francisco's McGuire Real Estate. "People
lose when they're forced to sell in a hurry, desperate situations. The ones
who hold on and ride out the market come out doing well."

And while residential home sales have slowed across the nation, he points
out that appreciation is on his side in San Francisco. "Consumers are
still very motivated to buy,"
he says.

One of Asdourian's top priorities as SFAR's president is providing professional
development opportunities for real estate licensees. "My biggest mission
is to help them become better professionals. For a long time we've been viewed
as one notch above used car salesmen," he says. He also works in the community
on behalf of SFAR to help shape legislation related to home ownership and property
rights.

Asdourian earned his degree in finance with an emphasis on real estate and
taxation at the University. He says his business education continues to serve
him well in his career.

On average per year, Asdourian sells 12 to 25 probate, trust and income properties
in the $500,000 to $2.8 million range. The biggest misconception about his
job? "That it's easy money," he says, adding that three out of five
agents leave the business within a few years. A great deal of time, effort
and stress is involved with selling a property—and the stress doesn't end until
the close. Last-minute financial issues can quickly dismantle a sale.

He advises any Gators who wish to try their hand at the business to start
as assistants to seasoned agents. "If you have that entrepreneurial spirit," he
says, "real estate is one of the most gratifying and rewarding careers."